Axiom Space has announced a partnership with Oakley to develop a unique visor system for its Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, designed for the upcoming Artemis 3 mission, targeting a mid-2027 launch. This collaboration marks Oakley’s entry into the aerospace industry as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, demonstrating the intersection of high-performance design and space exploration.
The AxEMU visor is engineered to enhance clarity and visibility for astronauts during extravehicular activities (EVAs), a critical component of lunar exploration. According to Russell Ralston, Executive Vice President of EVA at Axiom Space, the partnership with Oakley leverages their expertise in optical systems to address complex challenges associated with space environments. Ralston noted, “They are certainly experts, undoubtedly, in their field, and it was a really good opportunity for us to work together.”
The visor will incorporate Oakley’s “next-gen High-Definition Optics (HDO)” technology, which aims to provide unparalleled visual acuity in the harsh conditions of the Moon’s South Pole. Ryan Saylor, Senior Vice President of Advanced Product Development at Oakley, stated, “Developing the AxEMU visor system alongside Axiom Space marks a historic milestone. This breakthrough represents decades of relentless innovation.”
Advanced Features for Lunar Conditions
The visor system is designed with several advanced features, including a deployable, two-part visor to combat extreme lighting conditions. Additionally, it includes a secondary helmet bubble that protects against ultraviolet radiation and lunar dust, coated with 24-karat gold to enhance its protective qualities. Ralston explained, “Gold has some natural properties that help filter out certain portions of sunlight that are relatively harmful.”
Dust mitigation is particularly important for lunar missions, where the fine regolith can pose significant challenges. Ralston emphasized that Oakley’s experience with optical systems in dirty environments, such as mountain biking and motocross, provides valuable insights into developing effective coatings for the visor. He noted, “There are coatings and treatments that can be done to help deal with the lunar dust issue.”
The visor must also withstand the potential impacts from falls during EVAs, ensuring it is robust enough to endure the rigors of space exploration. Ralston expressed confidence in the visor’s design, stating, “Overall, we’re extremely happy with where it’s at.”
NASA’s Commitment to the AxEMU Development
NASA selected Axiom Space to create the AxEMU suit in September 2022, awarding a task order valued at $228.5 million. Following this, Axiom received an additional contract to modify the suit for low Earth orbit operations. In May 2023, Axiom Space tested the AxEMU at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where Koichi Wakata, Axiom Space astronaut and Chief Technology Officer, conducted evaluations in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL).
These early tests focus on ensuring the suit’s integrity and functionality, as highlighted by Michael López-Alegría, Lead Astronaut at Axiom Space. He stated, “We have to test out the procedures and how we go through the pressurization with a person inside instead of just a dummy or nobody.”
As the first new spacesuit design in over 40 years, the AxEMU builds on technological advancements that have emerged since the Apollo missions. Ralston noted the importance of blending historical insights with modern innovation to create a superior suit for NASA’s requirements. He remarked, “We want to create a system that is the best possible suit that, in our minds, can be conceived.”
Axiom Space’s collaboration with Oakley, along with other partners such as Prada, exemplifies its strategy to integrate non-traditional players into the aerospace sector. López-Alegría highlighted the importance of these partnerships, stating, “Bringing these two infrastructures together is a very positive thing and gives us access.”
The AxEMU visor represents a significant step forward in spacesuit technology, aiming to provide astronauts with optimal performance and protection during their historic lunar missions. As Axiom Space continues to innovate, the collaboration with Oakley illustrates the potential for diverse industries to contribute to the future of space exploration.
